Russia's Maria Sharapova strikes a backhand to Switzerland's Patty Schnyder in their fourth round match of the French Open tennis tournament at the Roland Garros stadium in Paris, Sunday,June 3 , 2007.... (Associated Press)

(Newser)
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Maria Sharapova squeaked past Patty Schnyder in a blistering forehand duel to pass the fourth round at Roland Garros yesterday, in what's being hailed as an instant classic at the French Open. The Russian superstar battled back from match point twice to beat her Swiss rival 3-6 6-4 9-7.

The second seed was warned by the umpire, and beset by boos from the crowd, for taking too much time between points. "It's pretty hard being a tennis player and Mother Teresa at the same time," Sharapova repined. She now faces fellow Russian Anna Chakvetadze for a spot in the semi-finals.